OKPOLICY.ORG
State Question 834 will be on the ballot on November 5, 2024.
Click below to jump to section:
- The Gist
- Background Information
- Ballot Language
- Supporters Say…
- Opponents Say…
- Deadlines
- Ballot Language
- More about State Question 834
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The Gist
State Question 834 would amend Section 1 of Article III of the Oklahoma Constitution to clarify that only citizens of the United States are qualified to vote in the state.
Current language reads:
“Subject to such exceptions as the Legislature may prescribe, all citizens of the United States, over the age of eighteen (18) years, who are bona fide residents of this state, are qualified electors of this state.”
Suggested constitutional amendment:
“Subject to such exceptions as the Legislature may prescribe, only citizens of the United States who are over the age of eighteen (18) years and who are bona fide residents of this state, are qualified electors of this state.”
Background Information
Oklahoma has reserved the right to vote for citizens ever since the Oklahoma Constitution was ratified in 1907 and modernized its language as recently as 1978 with the citizen-approved State Question 531. This year, a legislator-initiated ballot initiative seeks to amend the state constitution to clarify that only citizens of the United States are qualified to vote in Oklahoma.
This follows a national trend in other states, including Alabama, Louisiana, Colorado, and Florida, which have made changes to the state constitutions to specify that only citizens, and not non-citizens, can vote. Practically, SQ 834 would not change any existing law or practice in Oklahoma; it would preempt municipalities from allowing non-citizen residents to vote in local elections.
To be clear, there are no municipalities in Oklahoma that allow non-citizens to vote.
Ballot Language
“This measure amends Section 1 of Article 3 of the Oklahoma Constitution. It clarifies that only citizens of the United States are qualified to vote in this state.”
Shall the proposal be approved?
For the proposal – YES; Against the proposal – NO
Supporters Say…
- It will clearly state who is eligible to vote in Oklahoma and avoid possible confusion.
- It would prohibit any municipalities from expanding voter eligibility for local elections to non-citizens.
- It will protect against possible voter fraud.
Opponents Say…
- The Oklahoma constitution already makes clear that only citizens can vote in Oklahoma.
- It is already a felony for non-citizens to register to vote in Oklahoma.
- Studies have found no evidence of widespread non-citizen voting in either Oklahoma or the United States.
Deadlines
Registration
- Online registrations submitted by October 11, 2024
- Paper registrations postmarked or Delivered by October 11, 2024
- Fill and print your voter registration form here
Absentee Ballot Request
- Received by October 21, 2024 at 5 p.m.
- Request an Absentee Ballot Online
Absentee Ballot Submission
- Received or Hand Delivered by November 5, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Early Voting
- Thursday, October 31, 2024: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Friday, November 1, 2024: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, November 2, 2024: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, November 5, 2024 [Back to top]
More About State Question 834
- Resource: Oklahoma State Question 834 [Ballotpedia]
- Resource: State Question 834 official Oklahoma state documents [Secretary of State]
